Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Sociedad Match to Be Investigated for Match-Fixing

La Liga officials have opened an investigation into possible match-fixing regarding the contest between Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano from last Sunday after the league noticed "abnormal" movements among punters and caught wind of an alleged argument between the players at half-time. 

League president Javier Tebas announced the news during an interview with El Larguero (h/t the Associated Press, for ESPN FC). La Real won the match 2-1, and the result left Rayo battling for relegation.

Captain Roberto Trashorras denied the allegations, saying: "This isn't good for us or the club or the league. I don't know who wants to hurt Rayo, but these are very strong allegations. These things have to be proven."

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Mikel Oyarzabal had given the Basques the lead during the first half of the match in question, and Jon Bautista doubled their advantage early in the second half. Javi Guerra pulled a goal back for the visitors after 70 minutes, and Esteban Granero was sent off for the hosts in the 76th minute.

According to the Daily Mirror's Ed Malyon, Rayo fans called for a meeting with the players after their poor showing in San Sebastian, a match in which they failed to push for a late equaliser despite Granero's dismissal. 

Per Malyon, Tebas downplayed the news of the investigation. “That we’ve started an investigation means nothing," he said. "We investigate every type of rumour; they can end up being true or not.”

Rayo need to beat Levante on Sunday to have any hope of avoiding the drop to the second tier of Spanish football. Sporting Gijon and Getafe sit one point ahead of them in the standings, and if either wins on Sunday, the club from the capital will be relegated.